On the roster the Yankees have 11 position players under contract, though only one catcher. The backup catcher brings the total position players to 12, one short of the typical 13 they carry during the regular season. It might seem as though they have room for one more, but this projection doesn’t account for the man in limbo, Alex Rodriguez. Given the roster numbers, the Yankees really can’t do anything until they know his fate.

At this point, a complete overturning of the suspension is the best-case scenario. It didn’t always feel that way; with the shackles of Plan 189 looming, a full-season suspension seemed like the only way the Yankees could spend this off-season. Yet they’ve spent plenty of money before knowing how Fredic Horowitz will rule in the A-Rod matter. If he overturns the suspension completely, or even reduces it to 50 games, the Yankees will soar past the $189 million luxury tax limit without making a single other move.

“I think if people think there’s some sort of benefit by losing that talent, I mean, you can’t replace it. It’s not like, all right, well, Alex is gone. If he winds up getting suspended and it’s upheld, how do you replace that? It’s not easy.

“It’s not like, all right, we’ll take that money and go in this direction. I think … our fan base saw when we lost significant players at various positions, it was not easy to plug holes because the talent just doesn’t exist.”

No infielder on the market comes close to even an aged and injury-prone A-Rod. Even Yankees fans who hate the man’s guts should be rooting for him to stand at third base on Opening Day. We root for the laundry, right? Mark Reynolds or Jeff Baker might successfully play a role on the 2014 team with A-Rod suspended, but neither will match him in terms of overall production. Since they are role players, chances are they’ll remain on the board until the decision. Even if not, missing out on them is no huge loss.

True, the Yankees also seem handcuffed by the Masahiro Tanaka situation, but that’s another post for another day (or maybe today, who knows). That handcuffing seems a bit more damaging for a number of reasons, including the implications on spending. But with A-Rod, a complete overturn or even 50 games is a pure win for the 2014 team, while a full-season suspension leave them looking for an inferior right-handed-hitting infielder.

Did we add a time traveler that will enable us to go back in time and make 2013 better? :D

Jimmy

You could possibly send Joe a note about any mistakes in the “Submit a Tip” box so its not here in the comments section. I’m sure he’d prefer that to having it pointed out publicly.

Darren

This kangaroo court is hereby in session.

I hereby decree that if a comment regarding typos includes a smiley face, and the comment also includes some nutritional value (such as a time traveling comment, which is always delightful), then it is acceptable to leave said comment in the comment section. Further – any subsequent comment commenting on said comment only serves to draw attention to the original typo, negating the point of the comment.

Anywho.

Jimmy

Meh. Not a big deal. These guys take time out of their day to prepare and post this stuff for free. A little courtesy isn’t too much to expect.

That said, commenting on the comment that comments on the original comment is completely out of line regardless of any type or variation of a smiley face, nutritional value or no. Your proposal is flatly rejected.

Darren

Wait just a cot damn minute. These guys don’t get paid? WTF. THAT scenario is roundly booed.

http://www.draftstreet.com/register.aspx?r=Jedile Jedile

Though I am hoping they did add players who will make us forget 2013. :)

And for future typoes I notice I will use the submit a tip. I didn’t know that was the preferred method previously.

http://google bob

“Typos”

Kevin G.

I read on MLBTR that the Yankees either want to be under $189 million or blow past it. In that case, I hope A-Rod doesn’t get suspended. That way, the Yankees go on another spending spree. Maybe bight the bullet on Cliff Lee’s contract?

blake

they are so close to 189 without Arod now than it seems silly to me to toe the line with as many holes as they still have. The only way they can get under is if Alex is suspended the entire season and they basically add no more money…..they are at around 185 now without even counting Alex when you project everything out.

If they wanted to get under then they shouldn’t have spend so much money already….simple as that….now that they have it’s just too unrealistic to worry about the cap. Just make the club as good as you can and go with it.

I’m One

I get your point and agree with it, but feel as if A-Rod is suspended the full season, the Yankees will look to stay under $189M, as close as they may be right now. So basically, no A-Rod means no additional players.

If he’s suspended anything less than the full season, they’ll spend. So, I’m hoping the suspension is reduced.

Luisergi

Yes, regardless that 189 thing or his off-field baggage, I have no doubt in my mind that the best line up the Yankees can put out there at this point with the 3rd base options that are out there, would include Rodriguez at 3rd base.

i dont think Rodriguez would bat 7th in this line up maybe swap him and soriano. even with the hitter arod has become he still gets on base way more then soriano or tex the last few years.

Luisergi

Fair enough.

Luisergi

You could make a great case that he should bat 2nd, with Jeter hitting 7th… that’s not happening though.

gbyanks

yea we gave jeter a raise for playing 17 games we arent batting him in the bottom of the order lol

Andy in Sunny Daytona

“We”, huh? Were you the lone voice of dissension in the budget meeting?

Need Pitching & Hitting

$17M in 2013
$12M in 2014

vicki

come on; that’s disingenuous. he got more than his option the year after he “played” seventeen games.

Jorge Steinbrenner

This, although I admit this is one of the bigger red herrings of the off-season.

Chris in Maine

Potentially a massive pay cut. The Captain was made 1 million per game last season.

FLYER7

I would carry only 4 OFs, 2 catchers and 7 infielders or worse one less arm in the bullpen with 11 pitchers instead of 12. How many times last year did the 12th man go long stretches without pitching?

Jimmy

That really depends on the staff doesn’t it? If you hit a stretch where a string of starters can’t get past the 6th inning, then you need either that 12th pitcher or a bullpen full of guys who can eat a lot of innings.

FLYER7

Quick call to SWB gets you from 11 to 12 just the way the roster went from 12 to 13 pitchers at times…I think with a more versatile bench with platooning 14 position players plus 11 pitchers works well especially early spring when 12 pitchers don’t get innings with scheduled off days and postponements.

Vincent Vega

I think he gets 50 games, which I’d be fine with. That will essentially pay for the stopgap guys and perhaps a reliever.

http://riveravenueblues mississippi doc

The lineup that Luis describes, while we can argue about the order, is pretty damn good. Add the reserves of Cervelli, Johnson, Nunez, and Suzuki, and they are through with position players. I would gladly accept changes to the latter two players. Now onto the pitching staff. It’s going to cost money. If teams like Seattle and Kansas City are spending, then the Yankees will have to keep spending more. That’s just the new reality.

stuckey

“Even Yankees fans who hate the man’s guts should be rooting for him to stand at third base on Opening Day.”

Ummmmmm….. no.

I don’t even hate the man’s guts and I hope to never see him again, regardless of the length of his suspension.

More than I find the lack of production at 3rd base distasteful, is the ‘WAR at any and all costs’ mentality that Yankees fans now seem to wear as some sort of badge of honor.

I fully understand the narrative gaining more and more favor is a player’s impact can be evaluated strictly through the cold light of WAR and OPS (and I’m a believer in these statistics) but I can’t see his overall impact over the last a decade when you try to factor in the less quantifiable as anything but negative.

And if not for a superhuman 2009, it wouldn’t even be a question.

nope

This.

I am tired of A-Rod’s association with the Yankees and am rooting for a full-season suspension after which they release his ass and eat the remaining money. If it means mising the playoffs in 2014 (and I dont think it does), so be it.

Hardcore Yankee Fan

This!

Times infinity plus another infinity.

Betty Lizard

I’m dreaming of a third baseman
Just like the one we used to have.
His suspension nixed and
His bum hip fixed
He’ll home runs to the stands . . . .

ropeadope

I’m dreaming of a third baseman
Just like the one we used to have.
His suspension nixed rescinded* and
His bum hip fixed
He’ll home runs to the stands . . . .

Can’t argue that absent injury he wouldn’t be the most productive guy at 3B we could put out there, so I hope he’s there, but there’s a piece of me that hates the idea. He’s such a jerk — and so is Selig — and I’m bored beyond imagination with the media stuff that comes with him. Nevertheless . . .

I’m One

I’m more in favor of what I believe he means to the budget than what he actually does for the team. Having him back blows the $189M out of the water, leaving the team free to spend (if they care to, which I belive they will). Without him, I think they’ll very carefully look at the budget to see if they can stay under $189M, meaning they might not spend another penny.

So, A-Rod brings more than his on-field production (in many ways).

radnom

Even Yankees fans who hate the man’s guts should be rooting for him to stand at third base on Opening Day. We root for the laundry, right?

Rooting for the laundry doesn’t mean not caring about the character of those who wear it. As a fan of baseball, I’m rooting for Arod not to be successful in his bid to buy his way out of a suspension.

Betty Lizard

I’m pretty sure I don’t want to know–much less care–about the character of 80% of those who play MLB. Probably 90%.

And no, I don’t want to root for MLB, which purchased with cash what were obviously stolen documents, thus preventing an adequate state investigation into the selling of PEDs to children. While–wait for it–saying they are all about upholding the integrity of the game.

Don’t get me wrong. I think there should be drug tests. Every week. “We have the technology.” And if a player fails one, he’s disciplined, and three strikes and he’s out.

vicki

betty, there are gehrig people; we’re babe people. there are maris types; we’re mickey folk. i’m all for mythology, but by all means give me some pathos with my ethos.

Betty Lizard

True that.

Dave Guarnieri

I could not agree more, radnom. True, as we write, type, sing whatever at ohhhh 8:16pm Friday Night. A “repaired” AROD, even an AROD who can’t turn on a fastball and has warning track power to the opposite field is better than anyone else we have in house that we can run out there, he will never don the pinstripes again, IMO. Too many collusion allegations, too many rumors (and they are just rumors, not implying guilt here) dealing with possible obstruction of justice, too many “shut the F*ck ups (one is the max)”, too much Mike Francesa, too many threats of medical lawsuits and this marriage is kaput, OVER.

I was formerly of the belief that AROD was holding the Yankees up money wise and how the team would be structured with him on the field, and without. Not anymore, not after the threat of a tell-all book and (lol) documentary. The last straws, if you will.

When the arbitrator rules, the Yanks will know how much money they can salvage, and cut the man loose. I know they still have to pay him beyond 2014, but better to stop the bleeding now. The salvaged money can be used to pay a Chase Headley or Adrian Beltre if not this year, next. If they can’t get someone of the magnitude of the 3rd basemen just mentioned, I will opt for Mark Reynolds and relative peace, and at least a taste of dignity.

dkidd

i don’t believe alex can stay healthy for more than 50 games. it’s heretical, but i’d prefer he get a 100-game suspension and return to contribute in aug-sept. if the case is thrown out and alex starts the season at 3rd, yanks will be paying his full salary and it’s likely he breaks down in late may

george grossi

I’ll bite the bullet for another year as opposed to seeing that dirtbag at 3rd base . In 2015 we should be better , get rid of some more of those one year contracts , free agency , hopefully one young outfielder from the farm .

jason

But A-Rod chokes in the clutch!!!! Good riddance!!!andthensomemore!!!s

It will be interesting to see the reaction he gets from the crowd if he is back at some point in 2014.

dkidd, I think Mike A. had a post a while back discussing the benefit of the 100-games, makes some sense.

I’m One

“But A-Rod chokes in the clutch!!!! Good riddance!!!andthensomemore!!!s”

Well done.

Darren

I think from Cashman’s comments, they’re in total “wait and see” mode, which makes sense. He mentioned that the Yankees have until Opening Day and even until the trade deadline to plug holes that are open. It’s not like they have to worry about all of these great free agents flying off the shelves. Better to wait and go after Cliff Lee if ARod doesn’t get suspended and they blow past $189mm than to go sign Jiminez or someone just for the sake of making a move.

Kiko Jones

If I recall correctly, the RAB braintrust crunched the numbers and determined that old, gimpy A-Rod was better than 20 of the 30 everyday 3B in 2013. No wonder Cashman says you can’t replace that kind of talent.

The best option for the Yankees to be a playoff team is A-Rod at 3B and a backup/platoon with Reynolds or someone similar. If you would rather see the Yankees be further hampered but feel great about your dislike for/moral high ground regarding A-Rod, fine. But, personally, I don’t root for the Yankees to be mediocre but to win.

Sure, I want clean baseball and cheaters to be punished accordingly, but as long as these guys don’t do anything “real world” illegal or truly heinous, I could care less about them being jerks in their personal lives. As I always say about philandering public figures, if it’s not my relative/friend he’s cheating on, it’s not my problem. I’m not the dude’s friend; I follow the guy on the field not in the bedroom or wherever else.

stuckey

“Sure, I want clean baseball and cheaters to be punished accordingly, but as long as these guys don’t do anything “real world” illegal or truly heinous, I could care less about them being jerks in their personal lives. As I always say about philandering public figures, if it’s not my relative/friend he’s cheating on, it’s not my problem. I’m not the dude’s friend; I follow the guy on the field not in the bedroom or wherever else.”

This has become fall-back reasoning for a lot of fans, but it’s incredibly narrow and shortsighted.

You’re a fan of the Yankees “winning”? Okay, let’s run with that:

As an organization, the NYY’s priority isn’t the dollars they’re refunded when he’s suspended, it’s the production lost due to the suspension.

Alex Rodriquez likely knowingly violated terms he knew could lead to a SUSPENSION. That’s not cheating on his or your friend, that’s cheating on YOU and the YANKEES.

The whole premise of this topic is whether it’ll be 50 or 211 games. It’d be ZERO games if he didn’t knowingly violate the rules.

Then let’s say it is 211. Yankees will still owe multiple seasons huge dollars to a guy who hardly played against live competition in 2 over full seasons.

That’s NOT cheating the Yankees?

As a fan interested in wanting to see him ON the field, isn’t ZERO games suspended better than 50 or 211? How has his conduct not negatively IMPACTED the Yankees play ON the field, by YOUR own terms?

Are we also certain his possible PEDs use is NOT a factor in his health issues that last several years? Has that medical determination been made reasonably conclusively?

Either which way, the reason RAB is having THIS conversation is because Alex Rodriquez’s actions WILL negatively impact the Yankees ON the field. HE’s taking his bat out of the line-up, no one else.

You can’t have it both ways folks, that’s it’s all about production and winning and ignoring the fact HE’s making that more difficult.

Saying he didn’t do anything “real world” illegal is a cop-out. He knowingly jeopardized the ONE thing you guys put above all else – on field success.

So when do that actually become a problem for some of you?

Kiko Jones

The issue at hand is this: if he used banned PEDs he should be punished. Whether off the field he is an altar boy who donates 50% of his salary to charity or is a skirt-chasing boozehound is IRRELEVANT.

Until he’s suspended, his conduct HAS NOT negatively impacted the team on the field. However, if PED use has negatively affected his health, then, yes that is a valid issue and I will judge him accordingly. But until we know for sure, we have to leave it at that, or else we fall into unnecessary speculation.

My issue is with those who don’t want him on the field due to his “character”. Until I’ve been shown that he has engaged in behavior that has been CONCLUSIVELY PROVEN to hamper his on-field performance, I don’t care what he does. That he might be a self-centered, insecure, lying a-hole are traits of a person I would not like to associate with. But my relationship with A-Rod or any other player is not a personal one. He’s a ballplayer on my team, not my friend. As long as he does not purposely hinder his ability to produce, again, I don’t care. And until proven otherwise, that’s where I stand.

stuckey

?The issue at hand is this: if he used banned PEDs he should be punished. Whether off the field he is an altar boy who donates 50% of his salary to charity or is a skirt-chasing boozehound is IRRELEVANT.”

I agree, with his why I haven’t raised such issues and boiled it down the ONLY the points you’ve made it clear you prioritize, ON the field production (which requires you being ON the field).

“Until he’s suspended, his conduct HAS NOT negatively impacted the team on the field.”

He HAS been suspended. He’s the lone player appealing said suspension, which leaves the NY Yankees in a payroll limbo.

“But until we know for sure, we have to leave it at that, or else we fall into unnecessary speculation.”

Again, he is the only player appealing his suspension. Isn’t justifying his lone course of action in this matter speculation on our part (that his specific actions did not warrant the greater suspension)?

Given ArOd has DENIED using PED’s at all this time around, any fans arguing he should fairly get a 50 games like everyone else is in the speculation game speculating he’s lying and in fact DID do something he denied.

Just sayin’

“Until I’ve been shown that he has engaged in behavior that has been CONCLUSIVELY PROVEN to hamper his on-field performance, I don’t care what he does.”

NOT being allowed on the field is the ultimate hamper of this on-field performance.

Be it 5, 50 or 211 games, do you believe he’s done something warranting a suspension of SOME kind? Yes or no?

If “yes” then you believe he’s hampered his on-field performance, which is my point.

He’s almost certainly taken himself off of it.

Kiko Jones

OK, let me clarify: until he’s NOT PERMITTED to take his position on the field, his conduct HAS NOT negatively impacted the team on the field. And until that happens…

He’s also the lone player facing a suspension of 211 games. NO ONE, even if they’re guilty at some level, would take a stiffer penalty than the one meted out to similar transgressors.

I don’t want speculation: I want to know why Braun’s conduct—which includes getting someone fired and tarnishing their professional reputation—garners a 65 game suspension; Melky Cabrera–deliberately covering his tracks w/ a fake website–gets 50 games while A-Rod gets 211. Is what he did that egregious? Well, then I WANT TO KNOW what he did. A-Rod being unlikeable and Selig’s word ARE NOT ENOUGH for me.

(Btw, if you’re going to question A-Rod’s character, how ’bout that of the man—along with teams, media, etc—WHO LOOKED THE OTHER WAY during the rampant era of PED use, b/c it was financially convenient at the time—after the ’94 strike soured fans on the game—but as his tenure comes to an end, now emerges as the sport’s savior, knowing full well it all went down ON HIS WATCH?)

At the end of the day, our suspicions don’t mean jack crap. Facts are all that matters. And until MLB presents us with some cold, hard facts I will withhold judgement.

stuckey

“OK, let me clarify: until he’s NOT PERMITTED to take his position on the field, his conduct HAS NOT negatively impacted the team on the field. And until that happens…”

It has happened. He has been suspended. He’s appealing his suspension. The appeal of the suspension IS negatively impacting the Yankees and whatever suspension he ultimately receives (NO one believe it won’t be ANY) WILL AGAIN negatively impact the Yankees.

If you want to play the rhetorical game that we’re not yet sure he’ll get any suspension, you can, but then we’re just pretending for arguments sake.

“He’s also the lone player facing a suspension of 211 games. NO ONE, even if they’re guilty at some level, would take a stiffer penalty than the one meted out to similar transgressors.”

We don’t KNOW his transgressions are similar. That’s speculation.

“I don’t want speculation:”

Yeah, you do.

“(Btw, if you’re going to question A-Rod’s character, how ’bout that of the man—along with teams, media, etc—WHO LOOKED THE OTHER WAY during the rampant era of PED use, b/c it was financially convenient at the time—after the ’94 strike soured fans on the game—but as his tenure comes to an end, now emerges as the sport’s savior, knowing full well it all went down ON HIS WATCH?)”

At no point have I don’t anything to compare Rodriquez to Selig, or comment on the latter at all. He’s not relevant to anything I’d said.

The same holds true for Arod’s character. He’s BEEN suspended. No different than a conviction that’s being appealed.

I am judging him solely on the fact that his actions are going to cause him to be out of the Yankees line-up and require them to field inferior options for a period of almost certainly no less than 50 games and perhaps as many as 211.

If Arod just announced he was going on a 50 game vacation to the Jamaica in July and said it was okay if the Yankees didn’t want to pay him salary while he was gone, we’d CRUFIFY him.

But his ACTIONS garner a suspension and somehow he’s not responsible for not being in the line-up??

Wha?

Kiko Jones

Can you tell me what has warranted A-Rod’s 211 game suspension? No, you can’t. You ASSUME b/c the public has no concrete knowledge of the EXTENT of his alleged transgressions which merit, according to Selig, 211 games.

The A-Rod vacation analogy is disingenuous b/c it implies being OK with and supportive of A-Rod breaking the rules. This is part of the narrative being peddled by those who believe questioning MLB and wanting ALL THE FACTS that support a 211-game suspension = condoning PED use. Sorry, no dice.

stuckey

You seem to be under the impression you’re arguing with someone strongly advocating Rodriquez serve the full 211 game suspension.

You are not.

I’m making the assumption, as even most of his supporters are, he’s acted in a way to warrant at least the more standard 50 game suspension.

The discussion ends there for me.

If you genuinely believe the arbitrator will rule he’s done nothing and repeal ANY suspension I suppose there is a chance you are right. If you want to wait until then, that’s your prerogative.

I’ve been posting (in context) that if this dialogue has boiled down to defending for only deserving a 50 game suspension, we’ve lost sight of something.

Kiko Jones

No, I am arguing with someone who firmly believes A-Rod is guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt and that MLB’s word is gospel. I, on the other hand, want PROOF of WHATEVER he’s guilty of. That’s it: show me the evidence. And since NO ONE in the general public has seen ANY EVIDENCE, none of us can be an advocate for his guilt or innocence. I don’t know how I can be any clearer on this point.

It’s plausible that MLB is railroading A-Rod for reasons I have explained before. It’s also plausible that A-Rod is guilty as sin. But this is too serious a matter to leave to assumptions and speculation. More to the point, I want noting to do with Selig’s accusations or A-Rod’s denials; I want tangible, verifiable proof of what A-Rod has been accused of. Period.

stuckey

Only “plausible” reason I’ve seen you offer is YOU perceive Arod as unlikable to others. We disagree on that being plausible reasons for MLB’s actions.

Understand either way, you’re NEVER going to get the public release of information you’re seeking. MLB will never release its full case on Alex Rodriquez.

The only thing I would add at this point is the arbiter knows and will know MUCH more about this case they we EVER will.

Vinny Bag-a-donuts

No chat today?

TWTR

A-Rod > Selig, so yeah, in addition to the roster/payroll ramifications (which are a little bizarro world), I really hope A-Rod has a complete victory over Bud Lite.

stuckey

He could’ve enjoyed the same victory guys like Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera enjoy over Bud Selig every day.

They don’t give him any ammunition and they, the Yankees, their fans, MLB and the game of baseball are ALL the better for it.

Man, our priorities are f***ed.

TWTR

Because A-Rod isn’t a relative paragon of virtue, like Jeter and Mo, doesn’t mean that he should be selectively prosecuted and punished.

Defending that principle is a damn good priority.

Kiko Jones

^ This.

stuckey

What evidence exists that he has been selectively prosecuted?

Do we KNOW his alleged offenses are EXACTLY the same in nature and number than the players suspended 50-65 games.

Yes or no?

dkidd

exactly

he didn’t fail a test. the best we can tell, mlb is trying to punish him for (allegedly) recruiting players to biogenesis and purchasing evidence with the aim of obstructing their investigation. his situation is singular. i absolutely loathe selig, but i’m waiting until we hear the evidence before screaming “witch hunt”

that said, i’m a mercenary “laundry follower” and want alex on the field if possible

Randy Levine’s Sideburns

Do you know they aren’t?

Yes or no?

stuckey

Do I know they aren’t selectively prosecuting Rodriquez, no, of course not.

Disproving a negative is impossible, which is why it’s so popular on fan discussion forums.

But I’m not DEFENDING the length of his suspension. I’ve been merely pointing out that ARod violating the rules at all (which almost everyone agrees he did to at LEAST a 50 game degree) is HIM taking HIMSELF out of the line-up.

Its the ultimate spitball in the eye of Yankees and fans.

Some of you seem to reason that lost Yankee production ON the field and him getting himself suspended to WHATEVER degree have nothing to do with one another.

5 games or 50 or 211. His actions are compromising the Yankees ability to win.

Why can’t we all agree on that?

Happens to be indisputable.

Randy Levine’s Sideburns

“His actions are compromising the Yankees ability to win.”

Well until they rule on his appeal, it’s actually the actions of MLB that is compromising the Yankees ability to win.

Once they prove that he did something that warrants the suspension, then you might be right.

Holy Ghost

Correct me if I’m wrong but it does seem like the MLB went on a fishing expedition for dirt on A-Rod and the names of most of the other players involved may not have come out if “A-Rod’s camp/legal team” didn’t leak them.

The fact that the MLB is trying to get A-Rod’s cousin to give up information proves the evidence they have isn’t strong.

Even if you think A-Rod is a complete jerk, you have to admit that the MLB’s behavior is equally bad if not worse.

My two cents on A-Rod is, at this stage of his career, even if his suspension is overturned, it’s very unlikely that he plays another season without spending significant time on the DL. So the Yankees should certainly keep their options open for 3B.

stuckey

“Even if you think A-Rod is a complete jerk, you have to admit that the MLB’s behavior is equally bad if not worse.”

Maybe… I have very little interest in the subject.

What I care about is this: An admitted previous user, Alex Rodriquez (who may have been compromising his bodies ability to if nothing else, play a representative number of games for the Yankees all along) once again almost certainly choose to use PEDs in some form.

Even if done (again) once, one can assume he was aware that the implication of getting caught were a suspension of no less than 50 games, which games of which the Yankees and their fans would have been deprived of his production, which no rebate of his salary for those games would make up for.

He signed a contract that included bonus clauses for homerun that he certainly KNEW were based upon the marketing opportunities that would present the team, which would be severely compromised were he to be discovered using PEDs… again. (not even mentioning making it harder for HIMSELF to achieve them).

What else do you need to know?

I’m not sure how relevant comparisons of who acted for desplicably AFTER that fact is even relevant?

Yes, there ARE degrees of unsavory behavior, but it doesn’t meant I have to have a rooting interesting.

I’m not favoring baseball in this case. 50 games or 211, I don’t care. My opinion is the same EITHER way.

That Rodriquez acted in the way that the letter of the rules state will only remove from from the Yankees line-up for a 3rd of a regular season seems to be the victory for some of you.

Bud Selig and MLB isn’t the real loser in that scenario. The YANKEES and their fans are the REAL losers either way – just a matter of to what degree.

Kiko Jones

“I have very little interest in the subject [of MLB’s behavior].”

I will have to confer with the attorneys in my immediate circle but to this layman you sound like a prosecutor’s wet dream.

“What I care about is this: An admitted previous user, Alex Rodriquez (who may have been compromising his bodies ability to if nothing else, play a representative number of games for the Yankees all along) once again almost certainly choose to use PEDs in some form.”

Proof, please.

stuckey

Are you REALLY advocating for his complete innocence?

Deep Thoughts

Why don’t you just answer the question?

stuckey

What question?

Holy Ghost

It certainly seems like A-rod probably got PEDs from Bosch but if the leaks are true the MLB doesn’t have much proof. It’s all subjective and based on one’s interpretation if Bosch’s handwritten notes and text messages to A-Rod.

A-Rod hasn’t failed a drug test. Without a failed drug test the case isn’t very strong.

IMO, the other players named took their suspensions either because they didn’t want the bad PR that Braun got when he appealed or they didn’t have the financial resources to wage a long legal fight like A-Rod.

stuckey

The arbitration hearings went on for, what, weeks?

They didn’t sit around day after day making subjective accusations based on opinion and Arod’s perceived likeability.

The fact of the matter is a arbiter has listened to weeks of testimony, as examined mounds of ‘exhibits’ (if we want to take a cynical few and not call it evidence).

He’s taking weeks to deliberate.

At some point we’re going to have to acknowledge we know VERY little about this case.

That, in fact, is the premise of some of our opinions on the matter – not by how much we know, but by how much we DON’T know.

There is irony is forming opinions based on how much you don’t know, which is clearly happening here.

vicki

take it easy, ahab.

while mo does seem like a singular human being, if you don’t think jeter has sought every edge he could get away with across his career (bumping up against rules and standards, if not crossing them) then you’re as naive as you are judgemental. the most intelligent and best-loved just don’t get busted.

stuckey

You missed the point.

I was replying to someone making the point that Alex Rodriquez should be judged solely under the lense of whether or not he’s better than Bud Selig.

Why did you choose to single me out for being judgmental (no ‘e’, and yes, that’s ironic sarcasm) when TWTR is out there judging Selig?

vicki

the sheer weight of your comments. i don’t know whether you’re a true believer or you just love arguing, but gracious. the word count.

dkidd

you should check out “derek jeter’s parting gift bag” filibuster from earlier this week

he’s the david foster wallace of trolls

vicki

i laughed. but i’m sad to think about how apt the analogy may be. unhappy people and their prolixity.

Deep Thoughts

Well, if the analogy holds, there’s light (or darkness) at the end of the tunnel.

stuckey

Discussion on a discussion forum.

It’s a mad, mad, mad world.

RetroRob

Yes, I want A-Rod back.

461deep

Francesa was right when he said we don’t know much about the facts
of MLB VS A-Rod. The 1 thing that makes me feel Alex will lose at least 100 games is that every 1 of the others mentioned seems to have caved and took their 50 game suspensions without appeal so it suggest MLB has goods galore on all named.To beat the rap Alex would need to be the exception.

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The Gleyber Torres Watch

Gleyber's season is over. He suffered a torn left (non-throwing) elbow ligament on a play at the plate on June 17th and had Tommy John surgery on June 21st. He is expected to be ready in time for Spring Training 2018. The Prospect Watch Curse strikes again!